Rosen Says 1,606 Jews Left Rumania This Year Compared to 1,067 in 1981

December 31, 1982

BUCHAREST (Dec. 30)

Chief Rabbi Moses Rosen of Rumania said here today that Jewish emigration from this country has increased by close to 50 percent in 1982 as compared to 1981 in spite of the dwindling community. In a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Rosen said that 1,606 Jews left for Israel this year compared to 1,067 last year and 1,119 in 1980.

Rosen said that 737 have obtained all the necessary authorizations to leave for Israel but have not yet availed themselves of exit visas. He said that according to the lists deposited with the Federation of Rumanian Jewish Communities, 750 people have applied for authorization to leave and are still waiting for the necessary documents.

The Rumanian Chief Rabbi stated last month that no emigrating Jews have been asked to pay the recently legislated education tax which requires all emigrants to repay the State for their free secondary and higher education. Rosen explained that he had obtained assurances from “the highest authorities” that this tax would not be levied on Jews leaving for Israel.